Christine Esposito, Associate Editor09.30.10
When the economy hits the skids, CPG companies look to cut costs wherever possible; no department or budget item is safe, testing including. But today’s testing lab executives say their services can be among the most-sound investments a firm can make, especially when the market faces difficulties. According to providers Happi spoke with, the right lab can be a secret weapon—verifying the performance and safety of that market-changing SKU, assessing a competitor’s product or improving speed to market.
The Inside Story
Safety is critical, whether a company is selling a basic hair gel, a green household cleaner or a hot new skin care serum. When a product causes adverse reactions or a formulation issue arises, it can put a particular brand, or an even entire category, in a bad light.
“There were scares that got a lot of media attention,” said Eric J. Hill, business marketing and sales manager at Impact Analytical, Midland, MI, citing well known examples from a few years back when melamine was found in dog food and antifreeze showed up in counterfeit versions of a popular toothpaste brand.
Savvy firms looking for extra levels of assurance that they had “crossed their Ts and dotted their Is,” sought the services of third-party testing services providers.
“Ours is an increasingly litigious society,” said Lynne B. Harrison, president and principal investigator at Harrison Research Laboratories, Inc. in Union, NJ. “Companies want a great deal of safety testing so that they can discover any problems in the lab, before a product is launched, and later to show they have done their due diligence.”
Proper testing can help companies verify what’s in a formulation—and what’s in there that shouldn’t be. For example, one of Chemir’s customers brought in a keratin hair straightening treatment that it planned on importing.
“They wanted to figure out why it worked so well,” said Rachel C. Linck, senior director-technology at Chemir Analytical Services, which is based in Maryland Heights, MO. As Chemir went through the deformulation, materials that weren’t on the ingredient list were present, including a large amount of formaldehyde—although the product claimed to be formaldehyde-free. “It was important for them to find this out; they didn’t want to continue to import this product,” Linck said.
Along the same line, with the expansion of the naturals marketplace, companies are also turning to testing labs for extra assistance with their own formulations, as well as to garner insight into those of their competitors.
“People are contacting us about natural, organic and green formulations, such as seeking help with formulating or taking the formulation of an existing product to make it greener. They are also looking at their competitor’s product to verify that the components in there are green or natural too,” said Linck.
Pointing to the uptick in the number of green claims being made with little backing, Hill said, “There are a lot of companies that do it and no testing is done,” he said. “We are seeing this on a lot of products, and it is watering the [naturals movement] down.”
To address those concerns, Impact Analytical has created Earth Impact, a series of testing protocols for various classes of materials that center on key green issues, such as biodegradability and recycled content. According to Hill, Earth Impact, which was rolled out in late 2009, is gaining traction.
“We are developing it in concert with customers,” he said, adding that there are accompanying Earth Impact logos which a company can incorporate into its marketing materials and use on packaging.
Driving Down Costs
While safety assessment is a given, alternate approaches to quality testing can also be a catalyst for improved production processes, and ultimately reduced costs.
“A critical issue in the current economy is the desire to drive improvement in operational efficiencies, especially as it relates to reducing investment in inventory,” said Judy Madden, vice president of strategic development at Celsis, Chicago, IL. “We screen products for microbiological contamination in 24 hours rather than 5-7 days that it traditionally takes. This reduces manufacturing cycle time, which directly correlates to production efficiency and responsiveness.”
For example, one of Celsis’ customers—a fast-growing CPG company in the household and personal care space—was having a hard time keeping product on the shelves, and officials wanted to shorten cycle time and use their warehouse more effectively. During routine screening for microbiological contamination, the firm was holding product for 5 days prior to distribution and had an in-process hold on bulk products for five days.
“It was conservative, but a cost-justified in-process hold that made sense for them at the time,” said Madden. “But in effect, that meant there were 10 days in the manufacturing cycle that was hold time related to micro testing. It was expensive in terms of inventory and warehousing, and it made it difficult for them to meet their growing demand. “
With Celsis’ rapid micro methods in place, the client was able to reduce that time to just a two-day hold; one at the bulk and a second at the finished goods level, reducing inventory investment by eight days, and its warehousing requirement by eight days, according to Madden.
Among recent developments at Celsis is a new molecular based assay that works in tandem with the company’s core screen technology. According to Madden, the new assay, which is currently in beta testing with a large personal care/beauty company, allows firms to more quickly assess contamination if it does occur, which allows them to be more responsive.
“I think there is broader awareness that the quality group isn’t an independent department. They have a big impact on operational efficiencies and in achieving those objectives,” Madden concluded.
Hitting Targets
When it comes to a company’s primary objectives, paramount is selling products. And in the household and personal care market, consumers buy into promises—the more bells and whistles the better. Often what puts a product over the top (and into a shopping bag) in today’s hypercompetitive market is third party data that backs up a claim.
“If you can find a way to make products stand out more, such as testing to prove that yours is better, that might be worth the investment,” Linck said.
And that might prove more critical in 2010 and beyond as shoppers have become more comfortable with private label products (see Editor’s Page, p. 10 in this issue). There’s greater pressure on brand marketers to document why their wrinkle cream, window cleaner or laundry detergent has added value or improved performance over a store brand.
“If [marketers] are going to get those customers back, they have to make sure that their claims are true. An external lab is important in this respect…If you go to a third-party lab, they lend credence to the claim and lend confidence to the consumer,” said Hill.
At AMA Laboratories, Photo-Grammetrix can help firms verify why their product, such as a high-end skin treatment, is worthy of a consumer’s hard-earned money. A system of scientifically matched, high-resolution digital photography in which all photographic variables remain constant through the entire study, Photo-Grammetrix insures that the differences seen in the photographs taken during the study are the sole result of and entirely produced by the product being studied, according to Howard Kaminsky, director of operations. Each stage in the progression of the treatment regimen is permanently recorded and in order to further verify the accuracy and precision of the photographic methodology, AMA scores the panelists before and after treatment based on industry standards. The technology can be used in studies centered on wrinkle reduction, skin lightening/brightening, pore size, hair density and skin moisture, according to AMA, which is based in New City, NY.
“The old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, seems to hold true here,” said Kaminsky, noting that while images are often kept for internal use, they can also be used in “before and after” type external marketing.
Testing is “very critical in light of being able to convince consumers of the legitimacy of the claims—especially when coming out with a unique product or application,” said David Heuer, director, business development at BioScreen Testing Services, Inc., Torrance, CA. According to Heuer, the benefit of using an outside independent lab is the “unbiased nature” of the testing to “legitimize” the product results.
“With the numerous products being touted and sold on the internet, it is especially important to have independent clinically supported claim substantiation for your product. It is alarming how many claims are being made online without any documented testing to support it,” he said.
Executives at Clinical Research Laboratories, Inc., Piscataway, NJ, also pointed to the increased importance of claim substantiation in the cosmetic marketplace. According to Michael Muscatiello, chief operating officer, as cosmetic products today make claims such as“reduces fine lines and wrinkles” and “increases skin elasticity,” companies see the importance of making sure the product actually does what it is intended to do.
Testing providers can also help companies better formulate their products for the “real world” by developing company/product-specific protocols.
According to Harrison, when it comes to sunscreens, companies are studying what consumers really do. Testing protocols involve reapplication, applying product on wet skin and rubbing up against things (like that beach towel or lounge chair)—allthe bettertoassess how a formulation will truly perform. “They are putting it into different conditions similar to what consumers are likely to do,” she said.
That’s just what Outside Labs did for its Scape Athlete sunscreens. Company founder Nicolas Martens worked with a third party facility to develop his own methodology for Scape high-performance sunblocks. Outside Labs’ protocol featured much higher temperatures and more turbulent waters than those typically used in traditional sunscreen evaluations. Marten’s goal was to more accurately replicate the extreme conditions sunscreens are subjected to when applied to an athlete’s body.
BioScreen has also been enlisted to develop customer-specific protocols. In one recent study, a leading cosmetic/personal care company wanted to use unique ingredients to prove anti-aging effects of decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin elasticity.
“The uniqueness was that the subjects had to be exposed to sunlight for a required length of time for the product to react to the UV light. This became a compliance issue to insure that the subjects were, in fact, exposing themselves to the sufficient amount of sunlight,” said Heuer.
To address those concerns, BioScreen developed a specific protocol and monitoring methods to insure that sufficient exposure to sunlight was maintained, according to the company.
Regulatory Issues
An ongoing issue in testing is the use of animals, an area that is affected by both regulatory bodies and even NGOs that help shape consumer sentiment. Recent European Union bans on testing finished cosmetic products and ingredients have changed the landscape for cosmetic and household product manufacturers—and buoyed the business of providers offering alternative methods.
“The future of testing is non-animal,” said Rich Ulmer, president and chief executive officer of InVitro International. The Irvine, CA-based company offers “tried and time-tested” non-animal testing, including the Irritection Assay System, a standardized, quantitative invitro test method that can be employed to detect, rank and predict the ocular and dermal irritation potential of cosmetics as well as consumer products, pharmaceuticals and chemical raw materials. Another weapon in InVitro’s arsenal is Corrositex, an invitro test that assigns UN Packing Groups and identifies non-corrosives.
These methods take the animal out of the process, but they are also quicker, which can lead to faster product development. Unlike animal testing that can take several months, Corrositex testing can provide a Packing Group determination in as little as three minutes and no longer than four hours, while Irritection Assay results can be expedited to 24 hours if necessary with regular service for completed reports in five to seven working days, according to Ulmer.
The Economy’s Impact
The economy has been in the doldrums since late 2008 and that has had a profound affect on most companies in the household and personal care space, including aspects that relate to product testing. Many marketers are doing less with more at a time when the risks seem greater when it comes to new product launches.
Industry executives noted the impact this strategy has had on their customers’ businesses.
“Given the current economy, cost cutting is one of the major issues that every client has been experiencing. It isn’t just trying to run lean and mean and more efficient. There are fewer people doing the same amount of work,” said Harrison. “It is our place to be proactive and try and do as much as we can.”
“Last year was a tough year for every one,” said Hill. “But when the calendar flipped to Jan. 1, it was like someone turned the light on. Companies started to ramp up across all segments, but they didn’t have the support staff. They are coming to us saying we need to get this testing done, but we don’t have staff, and there is a freeze on hiring. They need that support for product development.”
According to industry experts at leading testing providers, the right facility or provider is more than a proving ground for new products or just another line item in an already tight budget.
“There is no question that the current economy is causing companies to look at capital equipment expenditures—and that is a concern for us,” said Madden of Celsis. “But, on the other hand, companies are digging deeper and are more receptive to unique approaches to better managing their capital investments. Our message resonates well in this economy; we aren’t just talking about the quality lab, it impacts the entire organization.”
Testing Service Providers
Below is a list of testing providers serving the household and personal products industry. For more information, contact the testing service provider using the information provided for each firm.
Australian Photobiology Testing Facility Pty Limited (APTF)
4 Forest Street, Forest Lodge
New South Wales 2037, Sydney, Australia
Tel: (61) 2-9518-4768
Mobile: (61) 419 211 835
Email: aptf@internode.on.net
Website: www.aptf.com.au
Testing Specialties: APTF offers sunscreen testing to all international standards or guidelines (in vivo and in vitro). Irritancy, allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, skin whitening.
AMA Laboratories, Inc.
216 Congers Road, Building 1
New City, NY
Tel: (845) 634-4330
Fax: (845) 634-5565
Email: info@amalabs.com
Website: www.amalabs.com
Testing Specialties: AMA provides complete biophysical testing of cosmetics, HBAs and OTC pharmaceuticals on paid human volunteers. We maintain an extensive database of panelists of all ethnicities and skin types for use by our clients, as necessitated by their product. We can also provide “before and after ” high-resolution scientific photography, documenting the results of our tests which in many cases has been used by our clients in developing their advertising and marketing strategies.
BioScreen Testing Services, Inc.
3904 Del Amo Blvd.
Suite #801
Torrance, CA
Tel: (310) 214-0043
Fax: (310) 370-3642
Email: info@bioscreen.com
Website: www.bioscreen.com
Testing Specialties: BioScreen Testing Services is a full service Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Human Clinical Laboratory. With over 25 years of experience, BioScreen has perfected the Science of Reliability to meet and deliver all comprehensive testing needs.
Bria Research Labs and Testing Services
1920 Industrial Drive
Libertyville, IL
Tel: (847) 918-1774
Fax: (847) 816-1830
Email: arun@brialab.com
Website: www.brialab.com
Testing Specialties: Claims substantiation, salon testing, home use testing
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
11 Commerce Blvd.
Middleboro, MA
Tel: (508) 946-6200
Fax: (508) 946-6262
Email: sales@brookfieldengineering.com
Website: www.brookfieldengineering.com
Testing Specialties: Brookfield’s state-of-the-art laboratory offers a variety of viscosity testing services capable of measuring Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids using a wide range of spindle geometries. Detailed test results include equipment and measurement system description, viscosity data that includes appropriate tables and graphs, and any recommendations pertinent to your specific material and associated method. Viscosity testing services available: test and recommend; fluid profiling; dispute resolution; and multiple sample test.
Celsis International
600 W. Chicago Ave., Suite 625
Chicago, IL
Tel: (312) 476-1200
Fax:(312) 476-1201
Website: www.celsis.com
Testing Specialties: Celsis International is a leading provider of innovative life science products and laboratory services to the pharmaceutical and consumer products industries worldwide through its three business areas, featuring rapid microbial detection systems, analytical laboratory services and in vitro ADME-Tox products. Each Celsis division delivers substantial time and cost savings to customers in addition to ensuring product quality and safety for consumers.
Chemir Analytical Services
2672 Metro Blvd.
Maryland Heights, MO
Tel: (800) 659-7659
Fax: (314) 291-6630
Email: info@chemir.com
Website: www.chemir.com
Testing Specialties: Investigative analysis, custom formulation; deformulation (reverse engineering), contaminant identification, materials identification, formulation development and scale-up, failure analysis, polymer testing; packaging testing, stability testing; competitive product characterization, raw material cost optimization, consulting, litigation support; custom synthesis.
Clinical Research Laboratories
371 Hoes Lane
Suite 100
Piscataway, NJ
Tel: (732) 981-1616
Fax: (732) 981-0520
Email: jasmine.migliorini@crl-inc.com
Website: www.crl-inc.com
Testing Specialties: Dedicated to conducting human clinical test procedures to determine the safety and efficacy of cosmetic, personal care and OTC drug products. Areas of expertise include dermatology, photobiology, ophthalmology, bioinstrumentation, microbiology, cosmetology, associated services and clinical trials.
Consumer Product Testing Company, Inc.
70 New Dutch Lane
Fairfield, NJ
Tel: (973) 808-7111
Fax: (973) 808-7234
Email: sales@cptcplabs.com
Website: www.cptclabs.com
Testing Specialties: Analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry, clinical safety, claims validation, photobiology, microbiology, sterility testing and in vitro toxicology.
Dermatest Medical Research
Engelstrasse 37
Muenster, Germany
Tel: (49) 251-4882249
Fax: (49) 251-4902727
Email: info@dermatest.de
Website: www.dermatest.de
Testing Specialties: Patch tests, dermatological application tests, efficacy tests, clinical tests, skin-physiological measurements like moisturizing tests, skin wrinkle measurements, pH, skin elasticity etc. 3D full thickness skin model with individualized applications.
Essex Testing Clinic
799 Bloomfield Ave.
Verona, NJ
Tel: (973) 857-9541
Fax: (973) 857-9662
Email: info@essextesting.com
Website: www.essextesting.com
Testing Specialties: Human clinical evaluations for safety, efficacy and claims support of cosmetics, toiletries, personal care products and household products. Specializing in patch tests, anti-aging, image analysis, comedogenicity, and eye area product testing. Two facilities, diverse populations, quick start-ups.
Evalulab, Inc.
5475 Paré, Suite 206
Montreal, Québec, Canada
Tel: (514) 343-0001
Email: info@evalulab.com
Website: www.evalulab.com
Testing Specialties: Customized clinical testing—Safety, tolerance acceptance and efficacy tests for claim substantiation
Harrison Research Laboratories, Inc.
2497Vauxhall Road
Union, NJ
Tel: (908) 688-7600
Fax: (908) 688-7601
Email: info@HRLabs.us.com
Website: www.HRLabs.us.com
Testing Specialties: Independent research organization that performs human safety, efficacy and claim substantiation testing of cosmetics, hair products, toiletries, sunscreens and cleaning products. Testing capabilities include patch, phototoxicity/photoallergy, SPF/PFA, ocular and use tests.
Impact Analytical
1910 W. St. Andrews Rd.
Midland, MI
Tel: (989) 832-5555
Fax: (989) 832-5560
Email: info@impactanalytical.com
Website: www.ImpactAnalytical.com
Testing Specialties: Impact Analytical provides comprehensive testing solutions including deformulation, litigation support, impurity analysis, actives quantitation, unknown component identification, material characterization and quality control testing. Our combination of superior technical expertise, unparalleled quality standards, and efficient work processes result in accurate, on-time solutions so you can move your product forward with confidence.
InVitro International
17751 Sky Park East, Suite G
Irvine, CA
Tel: (949) 851-8356, (800) 246-8487
Fax: (949) 851-4985
Email: invitro@invitrointl.com
Website: www.invitrointl.com
Testing Specialties: Since 1985, non-animal testing for eye and skin irritation as well as corrosive/non-corrosive end points.
Libra Laboratories, Inc.
Libra Technical Center, 101 Liberty St.
Metuchen, NJ
Tel: (732) 321-5200
Fax: (732) 321-5203
Email: asklibra@libralabs.com
Website: www.libralabs.com
Testing Specialties: Analytical research services in chemistry, microbiology, and materials science for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and packaging. Compendial analyses, containers, residual solvents, DSC and TOC. Authenticity, stability, comparison and infringement.
Lonza Inc.
90 Boroline Road
Allendale, NJ
Tel: (201) 316-9486
Email:lsts@lonza.com
Website: www.lonza.com
Testing Specialties: Chemical analytical services, microbiological testing services, regulatory services and formulation development.
Q Laboratories, Inc.
1400 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH
Tel: (513) 471-1300
Fax: (513) 471-5600
Email: mg@qlaboratories.com
Website: www.qlaboratories.com
Testing Specialties: Comprehensive microbiology and analytical chemistry laboratory services.
Rapid Precision Testing Laboratories (RPTL)
P.O. Box 1342
Cordova, TN
Tel: (901) 386-0175
Fax: (901) 386-7218
Email: RPTL@aol.com
Website: www.RapidPrecision.com
Testing Specialties: RPTL is a highly specialized enterprise consisting principally of two full time experts in the various aspects of spectral measurement and photobiological risk assessment. The company offers onsite NIST traceable spectral measurement services for labs and manufacturers seeking spectral certification of test instruments and light emitting products. RPTL is a COLIPA recognized source for certification of solar simulators for sunscreen SPF testing. We offer in-house light measurement services and optical properties of materials testing. Consulting expertise includes FDA compliance for sunlamp products, in-vitro sunscreen test methods, photobiological safety of lamps and more services.
Solar Light Company
100 East Glenside Avenue
Glenside, PA
Tel: (215) 517-8700
Fax: (215) 517-8747
E-mail: info@solarlight.com
Website: www.solarlight.com
Specialized Technology Resources (STR)
85 John Road
Canton, MA
Tel: (781) 821-2200
Fax: (781) 821-9266
Email: info@STRQuality.com
Website: www.STRQuality.com
Testing Specialties: STR is an independent laboratory offering third party testing and consumer and expert sensory services for a wide range of health and beauty care products, including cosmetics, hair and skin care, incontinence, feminine hygiene and dental care. We provide quality, safety and risk assessment services to help retailers, manufacturers and suppliers understand and mitigate the sources of product risk. STR’s QA programs help ensure that products meet consumer expectations as well as industry and regulatory standards. We perform comparative studies, plant cGMP audits, inspect and test raw materials, substantiate marketing claims and monitor supply chain stability.
Suncare Research Laboratories
2518 B Reynolda Road
Winston Salem, NC
Tel: (336) 725-6501
Fax: (336) 725-6503
Email: jstanfield@suncarelab.com
Website: www.suncarelab.com
Testing Specialties: Sunscreen SPF and UVA protection testing; in vitro UVA protection measurements; Phototoxicity and photoallergenicity.
The Inside Story
Safety is critical, whether a company is selling a basic hair gel, a green household cleaner or a hot new skin care serum. When a product causes adverse reactions or a formulation issue arises, it can put a particular brand, or an even entire category, in a bad light.
“There were scares that got a lot of media attention,” said Eric J. Hill, business marketing and sales manager at Impact Analytical, Midland, MI, citing well known examples from a few years back when melamine was found in dog food and antifreeze showed up in counterfeit versions of a popular toothpaste brand.
Savvy firms looking for extra levels of assurance that they had “crossed their Ts and dotted their Is,” sought the services of third-party testing services providers.
“Ours is an increasingly litigious society,” said Lynne B. Harrison, president and principal investigator at Harrison Research Laboratories, Inc. in Union, NJ. “Companies want a great deal of safety testing so that they can discover any problems in the lab, before a product is launched, and later to show they have done their due diligence.”
Proper testing can help companies verify what’s in a formulation—and what’s in there that shouldn’t be. For example, one of Chemir’s customers brought in a keratin hair straightening treatment that it planned on importing.
“They wanted to figure out why it worked so well,” said Rachel C. Linck, senior director-technology at Chemir Analytical Services, which is based in Maryland Heights, MO. As Chemir went through the deformulation, materials that weren’t on the ingredient list were present, including a large amount of formaldehyde—although the product claimed to be formaldehyde-free. “It was important for them to find this out; they didn’t want to continue to import this product,” Linck said.
Along the same line, with the expansion of the naturals marketplace, companies are also turning to testing labs for extra assistance with their own formulations, as well as to garner insight into those of their competitors.
“People are contacting us about natural, organic and green formulations, such as seeking help with formulating or taking the formulation of an existing product to make it greener. They are also looking at their competitor’s product to verify that the components in there are green or natural too,” said Linck.
Pointing to the uptick in the number of green claims being made with little backing, Hill said, “There are a lot of companies that do it and no testing is done,” he said. “We are seeing this on a lot of products, and it is watering the [naturals movement] down.”
To address those concerns, Impact Analytical has created Earth Impact, a series of testing protocols for various classes of materials that center on key green issues, such as biodegradability and recycled content. According to Hill, Earth Impact, which was rolled out in late 2009, is gaining traction.
“We are developing it in concert with customers,” he said, adding that there are accompanying Earth Impact logos which a company can incorporate into its marketing materials and use on packaging.
Driving Down Costs
While safety assessment is a given, alternate approaches to quality testing can also be a catalyst for improved production processes, and ultimately reduced costs.
“A critical issue in the current economy is the desire to drive improvement in operational efficiencies, especially as it relates to reducing investment in inventory,” said Judy Madden, vice president of strategic development at Celsis, Chicago, IL. “We screen products for microbiological contamination in 24 hours rather than 5-7 days that it traditionally takes. This reduces manufacturing cycle time, which directly correlates to production efficiency and responsiveness.”
For example, one of Celsis’ customers—a fast-growing CPG company in the household and personal care space—was having a hard time keeping product on the shelves, and officials wanted to shorten cycle time and use their warehouse more effectively. During routine screening for microbiological contamination, the firm was holding product for 5 days prior to distribution and had an in-process hold on bulk products for five days.
“It was conservative, but a cost-justified in-process hold that made sense for them at the time,” said Madden. “But in effect, that meant there were 10 days in the manufacturing cycle that was hold time related to micro testing. It was expensive in terms of inventory and warehousing, and it made it difficult for them to meet their growing demand. “
With Celsis’ rapid micro methods in place, the client was able to reduce that time to just a two-day hold; one at the bulk and a second at the finished goods level, reducing inventory investment by eight days, and its warehousing requirement by eight days, according to Madden.
Among recent developments at Celsis is a new molecular based assay that works in tandem with the company’s core screen technology. According to Madden, the new assay, which is currently in beta testing with a large personal care/beauty company, allows firms to more quickly assess contamination if it does occur, which allows them to be more responsive.
“I think there is broader awareness that the quality group isn’t an independent department. They have a big impact on operational efficiencies and in achieving those objectives,” Madden concluded.
Hitting Targets
When it comes to a company’s primary objectives, paramount is selling products. And in the household and personal care market, consumers buy into promises—the more bells and whistles the better. Often what puts a product over the top (and into a shopping bag) in today’s hypercompetitive market is third party data that backs up a claim.
“If you can find a way to make products stand out more, such as testing to prove that yours is better, that might be worth the investment,” Linck said.
And that might prove more critical in 2010 and beyond as shoppers have become more comfortable with private label products (see Editor’s Page, p. 10 in this issue). There’s greater pressure on brand marketers to document why their wrinkle cream, window cleaner or laundry detergent has added value or improved performance over a store brand.
“If [marketers] are going to get those customers back, they have to make sure that their claims are true. An external lab is important in this respect…If you go to a third-party lab, they lend credence to the claim and lend confidence to the consumer,” said Hill.
At AMA Laboratories, Photo-Grammetrix can help firms verify why their product, such as a high-end skin treatment, is worthy of a consumer’s hard-earned money. A system of scientifically matched, high-resolution digital photography in which all photographic variables remain constant through the entire study, Photo-Grammetrix insures that the differences seen in the photographs taken during the study are the sole result of and entirely produced by the product being studied, according to Howard Kaminsky, director of operations. Each stage in the progression of the treatment regimen is permanently recorded and in order to further verify the accuracy and precision of the photographic methodology, AMA scores the panelists before and after treatment based on industry standards. The technology can be used in studies centered on wrinkle reduction, skin lightening/brightening, pore size, hair density and skin moisture, according to AMA, which is based in New City, NY.
“The old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, seems to hold true here,” said Kaminsky, noting that while images are often kept for internal use, they can also be used in “before and after” type external marketing.
Testing is “very critical in light of being able to convince consumers of the legitimacy of the claims—especially when coming out with a unique product or application,” said David Heuer, director, business development at BioScreen Testing Services, Inc., Torrance, CA. According to Heuer, the benefit of using an outside independent lab is the “unbiased nature” of the testing to “legitimize” the product results.
“With the numerous products being touted and sold on the internet, it is especially important to have independent clinically supported claim substantiation for your product. It is alarming how many claims are being made online without any documented testing to support it,” he said.
Executives at Clinical Research Laboratories, Inc., Piscataway, NJ, also pointed to the increased importance of claim substantiation in the cosmetic marketplace. According to Michael Muscatiello, chief operating officer, as cosmetic products today make claims such as“reduces fine lines and wrinkles” and “increases skin elasticity,” companies see the importance of making sure the product actually does what it is intended to do.
Testing providers can also help companies better formulate their products for the “real world” by developing company/product-specific protocols.
According to Harrison, when it comes to sunscreens, companies are studying what consumers really do. Testing protocols involve reapplication, applying product on wet skin and rubbing up against things (like that beach towel or lounge chair)—allthe bettertoassess how a formulation will truly perform. “They are putting it into different conditions similar to what consumers are likely to do,” she said.
That’s just what Outside Labs did for its Scape Athlete sunscreens. Company founder Nicolas Martens worked with a third party facility to develop his own methodology for Scape high-performance sunblocks. Outside Labs’ protocol featured much higher temperatures and more turbulent waters than those typically used in traditional sunscreen evaluations. Marten’s goal was to more accurately replicate the extreme conditions sunscreens are subjected to when applied to an athlete’s body.
BioScreen has also been enlisted to develop customer-specific protocols. In one recent study, a leading cosmetic/personal care company wanted to use unique ingredients to prove anti-aging effects of decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin elasticity.
“The uniqueness was that the subjects had to be exposed to sunlight for a required length of time for the product to react to the UV light. This became a compliance issue to insure that the subjects were, in fact, exposing themselves to the sufficient amount of sunlight,” said Heuer.
To address those concerns, BioScreen developed a specific protocol and monitoring methods to insure that sufficient exposure to sunlight was maintained, according to the company.
Regulatory Issues
An ongoing issue in testing is the use of animals, an area that is affected by both regulatory bodies and even NGOs that help shape consumer sentiment. Recent European Union bans on testing finished cosmetic products and ingredients have changed the landscape for cosmetic and household product manufacturers—and buoyed the business of providers offering alternative methods.
“The future of testing is non-animal,” said Rich Ulmer, president and chief executive officer of InVitro International. The Irvine, CA-based company offers “tried and time-tested” non-animal testing, including the Irritection Assay System, a standardized, quantitative invitro test method that can be employed to detect, rank and predict the ocular and dermal irritation potential of cosmetics as well as consumer products, pharmaceuticals and chemical raw materials. Another weapon in InVitro’s arsenal is Corrositex, an invitro test that assigns UN Packing Groups and identifies non-corrosives.
These methods take the animal out of the process, but they are also quicker, which can lead to faster product development. Unlike animal testing that can take several months, Corrositex testing can provide a Packing Group determination in as little as three minutes and no longer than four hours, while Irritection Assay results can be expedited to 24 hours if necessary with regular service for completed reports in five to seven working days, according to Ulmer.
The Economy’s Impact
The economy has been in the doldrums since late 2008 and that has had a profound affect on most companies in the household and personal care space, including aspects that relate to product testing. Many marketers are doing less with more at a time when the risks seem greater when it comes to new product launches.
Industry executives noted the impact this strategy has had on their customers’ businesses.
“Given the current economy, cost cutting is one of the major issues that every client has been experiencing. It isn’t just trying to run lean and mean and more efficient. There are fewer people doing the same amount of work,” said Harrison. “It is our place to be proactive and try and do as much as we can.”
“Last year was a tough year for every one,” said Hill. “But when the calendar flipped to Jan. 1, it was like someone turned the light on. Companies started to ramp up across all segments, but they didn’t have the support staff. They are coming to us saying we need to get this testing done, but we don’t have staff, and there is a freeze on hiring. They need that support for product development.”
According to industry experts at leading testing providers, the right facility or provider is more than a proving ground for new products or just another line item in an already tight budget.
“There is no question that the current economy is causing companies to look at capital equipment expenditures—and that is a concern for us,” said Madden of Celsis. “But, on the other hand, companies are digging deeper and are more receptive to unique approaches to better managing their capital investments. Our message resonates well in this economy; we aren’t just talking about the quality lab, it impacts the entire organization.”
Testing Service Providers
Below is a list of testing providers serving the household and personal products industry. For more information, contact the testing service provider using the information provided for each firm.
Australian Photobiology Testing Facility Pty Limited (APTF)
4 Forest Street, Forest Lodge
New South Wales 2037, Sydney, Australia
Tel: (61) 2-9518-4768
Mobile: (61) 419 211 835
Email: aptf@internode.on.net
Website: www.aptf.com.au
Testing Specialties: APTF offers sunscreen testing to all international standards or guidelines (in vivo and in vitro). Irritancy, allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, skin whitening.
AMA Laboratories, Inc.
216 Congers Road, Building 1
New City, NY
Tel: (845) 634-4330
Fax: (845) 634-5565
Email: info@amalabs.com
Website: www.amalabs.com
Testing Specialties: AMA provides complete biophysical testing of cosmetics, HBAs and OTC pharmaceuticals on paid human volunteers. We maintain an extensive database of panelists of all ethnicities and skin types for use by our clients, as necessitated by their product. We can also provide “before and after ” high-resolution scientific photography, documenting the results of our tests which in many cases has been used by our clients in developing their advertising and marketing strategies.
BioScreen Testing Services, Inc.
3904 Del Amo Blvd.
Suite #801
Torrance, CA
Tel: (310) 214-0043
Fax: (310) 370-3642
Email: info@bioscreen.com
Website: www.bioscreen.com
Testing Specialties: BioScreen Testing Services is a full service Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Human Clinical Laboratory. With over 25 years of experience, BioScreen has perfected the Science of Reliability to meet and deliver all comprehensive testing needs.
Bria Research Labs and Testing Services
1920 Industrial Drive
Libertyville, IL
Tel: (847) 918-1774
Fax: (847) 816-1830
Email: arun@brialab.com
Website: www.brialab.com
Testing Specialties: Claims substantiation, salon testing, home use testing
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
11 Commerce Blvd.
Middleboro, MA
Tel: (508) 946-6200
Fax: (508) 946-6262
Email: sales@brookfieldengineering.com
Website: www.brookfieldengineering.com
Testing Specialties: Brookfield’s state-of-the-art laboratory offers a variety of viscosity testing services capable of measuring Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids using a wide range of spindle geometries. Detailed test results include equipment and measurement system description, viscosity data that includes appropriate tables and graphs, and any recommendations pertinent to your specific material and associated method. Viscosity testing services available: test and recommend; fluid profiling; dispute resolution; and multiple sample test.
Celsis International
600 W. Chicago Ave., Suite 625
Chicago, IL
Tel: (312) 476-1200
Fax:(312) 476-1201
Website: www.celsis.com
Testing Specialties: Celsis International is a leading provider of innovative life science products and laboratory services to the pharmaceutical and consumer products industries worldwide through its three business areas, featuring rapid microbial detection systems, analytical laboratory services and in vitro ADME-Tox products. Each Celsis division delivers substantial time and cost savings to customers in addition to ensuring product quality and safety for consumers.
Chemir Analytical Services
2672 Metro Blvd.
Maryland Heights, MO
Tel: (800) 659-7659
Fax: (314) 291-6630
Email: info@chemir.com
Website: www.chemir.com
Testing Specialties: Investigative analysis, custom formulation; deformulation (reverse engineering), contaminant identification, materials identification, formulation development and scale-up, failure analysis, polymer testing; packaging testing, stability testing; competitive product characterization, raw material cost optimization, consulting, litigation support; custom synthesis.
Clinical Research Laboratories
371 Hoes Lane
Suite 100
Piscataway, NJ
Tel: (732) 981-1616
Fax: (732) 981-0520
Email: jasmine.migliorini@crl-inc.com
Website: www.crl-inc.com
Testing Specialties: Dedicated to conducting human clinical test procedures to determine the safety and efficacy of cosmetic, personal care and OTC drug products. Areas of expertise include dermatology, photobiology, ophthalmology, bioinstrumentation, microbiology, cosmetology, associated services and clinical trials.
Consumer Product Testing Company, Inc.
70 New Dutch Lane
Fairfield, NJ
Tel: (973) 808-7111
Fax: (973) 808-7234
Email: sales@cptcplabs.com
Website: www.cptclabs.com
Testing Specialties: Analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry, clinical safety, claims validation, photobiology, microbiology, sterility testing and in vitro toxicology.
Dermatest Medical Research
Engelstrasse 37
Muenster, Germany
Tel: (49) 251-4882249
Fax: (49) 251-4902727
Email: info@dermatest.de
Website: www.dermatest.de
Testing Specialties: Patch tests, dermatological application tests, efficacy tests, clinical tests, skin-physiological measurements like moisturizing tests, skin wrinkle measurements, pH, skin elasticity etc. 3D full thickness skin model with individualized applications.
Essex Testing Clinic
799 Bloomfield Ave.
Verona, NJ
Tel: (973) 857-9541
Fax: (973) 857-9662
Email: info@essextesting.com
Website: www.essextesting.com
Testing Specialties: Human clinical evaluations for safety, efficacy and claims support of cosmetics, toiletries, personal care products and household products. Specializing in patch tests, anti-aging, image analysis, comedogenicity, and eye area product testing. Two facilities, diverse populations, quick start-ups.
Evalulab, Inc.
5475 Paré, Suite 206
Montreal, Québec, Canada
Tel: (514) 343-0001
Email: info@evalulab.com
Website: www.evalulab.com
Testing Specialties: Customized clinical testing—Safety, tolerance acceptance and efficacy tests for claim substantiation
Harrison Research Laboratories, Inc.
2497Vauxhall Road
Union, NJ
Tel: (908) 688-7600
Fax: (908) 688-7601
Email: info@HRLabs.us.com
Website: www.HRLabs.us.com
Testing Specialties: Independent research organization that performs human safety, efficacy and claim substantiation testing of cosmetics, hair products, toiletries, sunscreens and cleaning products. Testing capabilities include patch, phototoxicity/photoallergy, SPF/PFA, ocular and use tests.
Impact Analytical
1910 W. St. Andrews Rd.
Midland, MI
Tel: (989) 832-5555
Fax: (989) 832-5560
Email: info@impactanalytical.com
Website: www.ImpactAnalytical.com
Testing Specialties: Impact Analytical provides comprehensive testing solutions including deformulation, litigation support, impurity analysis, actives quantitation, unknown component identification, material characterization and quality control testing. Our combination of superior technical expertise, unparalleled quality standards, and efficient work processes result in accurate, on-time solutions so you can move your product forward with confidence.
InVitro International
17751 Sky Park East, Suite G
Irvine, CA
Tel: (949) 851-8356, (800) 246-8487
Fax: (949) 851-4985
Email: invitro@invitrointl.com
Website: www.invitrointl.com
Testing Specialties: Since 1985, non-animal testing for eye and skin irritation as well as corrosive/non-corrosive end points.
Libra Laboratories, Inc.
Libra Technical Center, 101 Liberty St.
Metuchen, NJ
Tel: (732) 321-5200
Fax: (732) 321-5203
Email: asklibra@libralabs.com
Website: www.libralabs.com
Testing Specialties: Analytical research services in chemistry, microbiology, and materials science for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and packaging. Compendial analyses, containers, residual solvents, DSC and TOC. Authenticity, stability, comparison and infringement.
Lonza Inc.
90 Boroline Road
Allendale, NJ
Tel: (201) 316-9486
Email:lsts@lonza.com
Website: www.lonza.com
Testing Specialties: Chemical analytical services, microbiological testing services, regulatory services and formulation development.
Q Laboratories, Inc.
1400 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH
Tel: (513) 471-1300
Fax: (513) 471-5600
Email: mg@qlaboratories.com
Website: www.qlaboratories.com
Testing Specialties: Comprehensive microbiology and analytical chemistry laboratory services.
Rapid Precision Testing Laboratories (RPTL)
P.O. Box 1342
Cordova, TN
Tel: (901) 386-0175
Fax: (901) 386-7218
Email: RPTL@aol.com
Website: www.RapidPrecision.com
Testing Specialties: RPTL is a highly specialized enterprise consisting principally of two full time experts in the various aspects of spectral measurement and photobiological risk assessment. The company offers onsite NIST traceable spectral measurement services for labs and manufacturers seeking spectral certification of test instruments and light emitting products. RPTL is a COLIPA recognized source for certification of solar simulators for sunscreen SPF testing. We offer in-house light measurement services and optical properties of materials testing. Consulting expertise includes FDA compliance for sunlamp products, in-vitro sunscreen test methods, photobiological safety of lamps and more services.
Solar Light Company
100 East Glenside Avenue
Glenside, PA
Tel: (215) 517-8700
Fax: (215) 517-8747
E-mail: info@solarlight.com
Website: www.solarlight.com
Specialized Technology Resources (STR)
85 John Road
Canton, MA
Tel: (781) 821-2200
Fax: (781) 821-9266
Email: info@STRQuality.com
Website: www.STRQuality.com
Testing Specialties: STR is an independent laboratory offering third party testing and consumer and expert sensory services for a wide range of health and beauty care products, including cosmetics, hair and skin care, incontinence, feminine hygiene and dental care. We provide quality, safety and risk assessment services to help retailers, manufacturers and suppliers understand and mitigate the sources of product risk. STR’s QA programs help ensure that products meet consumer expectations as well as industry and regulatory standards. We perform comparative studies, plant cGMP audits, inspect and test raw materials, substantiate marketing claims and monitor supply chain stability.
Suncare Research Laboratories
2518 B Reynolda Road
Winston Salem, NC
Tel: (336) 725-6501
Fax: (336) 725-6503
Email: jstanfield@suncarelab.com
Website: www.suncarelab.com
Testing Specialties: Sunscreen SPF and UVA protection testing; in vitro UVA protection measurements; Phototoxicity and photoallergenicity.